"...just looking for something cheap that will last for a least 7 yrs..."
TJ's dad bought a cheap Murray, from Wal Mart, that did that. And his yard was much bigger than yours.
Don't think Wal Mart still sells those cheap Murray mowers.
There's a craftsman for $1299. With the Lowes 10% vet discount, don't know if there is a 42" cheaper than this or not. I'll look.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/craftsman-t...RoCsF4QAvD_BwE
It's assembled in the USA.
https://www.craftsman.com/products/t...e-riding-mower
Here's a Troy Built Pony for $1099, if there's one at a nearby Rural King store.
https://www.ruralking.com/mower-42-7...xoCONEQAvD_BwE
https://www.troybilt.com/equipment/t...or-13an77bs023
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Troy-Bil...y-42/307458184
Huskee is $1299 at TSC. May be same as the Troy Built.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...2-riding-mower